Vietnamese Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang (Photo: VNA)The two side will work to maintain consultation anddialogue mechanisms, exchange experience and deal with war consequences, whileexpanding collaboration in defence industry and cyber security.
Giang said despite COVID-19, Vietnam and Australiahave enhanced their strategic partnership and the defence ties in particular,expressing his belief that outcomes of the talks will help to further expandthe defence cooperation.
The Minister used the occasion to thank the AustralianGovernment and people for their valuable support to Vietnam, especially their COVID-19vaccine commitment.
He highlighted the Australian defence ministry’s assistanceto Vietnam in transporting doctors, nurses and medical supplies of its level-2field hospital to South Sudan. Giang called on Australia to continue supportingVietnam in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Regarding multilateral cooperation, Giang laudedAustralia’s contributions to regional mechanisms, particularly the ASEANDefence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+).
For his part, Dutton affirmed that Australia will continuethe transportation of Vietnam’s level-2 field hospital to UN peacekeepingmissions in 2022 as well as the transportation of forces in the years to comeif conditions permit.
He appreciated Vietnam’s support for upgrading theASEAN-Australia relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, and theASEAN Chairman’s Statement at the recent ASEAN-Australia Summit.
At the talks, the Vietnamese side noted its supportfor the second ASEAN - Australia Defence Ministers Informal Meeting, andpledged to make more contributions to the ADMM+ Experts’ Working Group on MilitaryMedicine under the co-chairmanship of Australia and Brunei for 2021-2023.
Giang invited Dutton to pay an official visit toVietnam. The Australian minister accepted the invitation with pleasure./.
VNA
